How to be a more sustainable Podcaster without breaking the bank
With 504.9M podcast listeners estimated for 2024, there has never been a better time to start your podcast - but how can you do it with intentionality for the planet? If you’re looking to incorporate greener and more sustainable practices in your Podcast look no further - we’ve rounded up some easy and actionable strategies to help you dip your toes in the world of Podcast sustainability without breaking the bank.
1. Start Small and Do Your Research
Becoming a more sustainable Podcaster is all about the long game: start small and expand your green efforts as you go. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to tackle everything at once so ensure you’re doing it as you progress or as your wallet allows you to. Don’t purchase items unless you’ve made sure they’re the most suited for your circumstances.
High-end microphones (read high sensitivity) have phenomenal sound but also require a properly soundproofed space, which can cost you hundreds of dollars. Why buy a high-end one just because your favorite Podcaster recommended it?
Be smart about your purchases and consider your budget and circumstances - also remember that the more sensitive the mic is, the more time you’ll spend editing each episode! Here’s a list of affordable dynamic microphones we’ve put together if you’re just starting and don’t want to soundproof your whole room for the podcast - which is the most sustainable choice overall as it will also drastically reduce the amount of time you’ll spend editing (using up power!) to make you sound great!
If you already own a microphone but your sound isn’t great:
By researching how to use the equipment you already own you can make your sound go from ‘meh’ to ‘wow!’.
We’re really talking about simple things such as ensuring that your mic is at the right height, facing the right way and that your recording setting is optimized! If you own a Blue Yeti mic, there is a ton you can do to fix the audio. We provide virtual consultations on how to improve your home studio setting - just drop us a message on the Contact us page.
2. Get a secondhand microphone
This is probably one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint: buy a used microphone or ask if anyone has an extra microphone lying around - in fact, 50%+ of podcasters who start a podcast never make it to episode 10 - so you’d be surprised how many people bought equipment that they don’t need or that they never figured out how to use!
Plus, who doesn’t know a friend who loves purchasing the latest gadgets, only to leave them stacking up in the spare room? Keep an eye out on your local Facebook Marketplace or Secondhand apps. Music stores like Guitar Center aren’t everyone’s cup of tea… but can provide a shopping alternative if online trading isn’t commonplace in your area.
3. Consider refurbished equipment from Big Stores
Many retailers and Amazon’s Warehouse section or B&H Used sell equipment for a fraction of the price of a new one. Maybe the equipment was used once, or it had an issue that was then fixed - these items will still work just like any other unopened equipment. This is true for microphones, audio mixers, computers and microphone stands. (I myself have purchased multiple refurbished microphones and laptops and never had any issues.)
4. Rent studio time for multiple guests
If virtual (or remote) recordings aren’t really your thing, you can consider renting studio time to record exceptional interviews and ensure that you’re still getting phenomenal audio quality. Let’s be honest - buying 3-4 microphones, stands, foams, shields, and cables that you’ll never use again isn’t really the most sustainable way to Podcast. Many Podcasters who mainly do solo episodes may find it more sustainable to rent studio space as they need - a quick Google search reveals multiple studios available for rent by the hour for as low as $25-50 (plus, some will even mix the content on site!).
BONUS: Batch recording episodes will also help with overall release consistency, which is one of the main reasons contributing to
5. Use old curtains (or blankets) to soundproof a room
Everyone - I mean everyone - has old curtains lying around the house - so why not using them to dampen the sound in a room? Thicker curtains will work best (think theater/black out curtains), but moving blankets can be an alternative to buying foam pads (or installing not-very-pretty egg boxes on the wall). Get creative and use Pinterest to search how to ‘beautify’ your studio - just because you’re trying to reduce your impact it doesn’t mean that you can’t make it pretty!
You can also make a DIY recording booth with things from your home - read our easy tutorial on how to get it done.
6. Watch your energy usage
If you only Podcast once a week or once a month, why have all the equipment connected ALL THE TIME? Unplug any unused USBs or turn off any audio boards when nothing’s in use- the best way to save the planet is by being intentional with your (energy) consumption! Extra tip: use a ‘Podcast only’ extension cord with a switch to keep things simple and organized.
7. Share equipment or consider coworking spaces
Why buy equipment that’ll sit on a shelf when you can share it with someone else? Most cooperative/ coworking spaces now have Podcast rooms. While it is important to remember to still practice social distancing and sanitize equipment while in public spaces, most people are still working from home, so you’ll probably have a Podcast studio all to yourself.
8. Donate unused equipment
If you’ve upgraded and don’t know what to do with old equipment (microphones and webcams that you haven’t used in years) don’t keep it in the closet or throw it in the trash! Schools, community centers or nonprofits could use them, especially as Podcasting becomes a bigger part of our lives and businesses!
If you’re holding on to broken equipment, consider dropping it at certified recycling locations: the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has information where you can find more about how to find a local certified recycler.
If you’re looking to learn more about sustainability, please listen to the following Podcast episodes:
Silicon Mountain | Finding Multi-Stakeholder Wins in the eWaste industry:
https://rise-leaders.com/silicon-mountain-multistakeholder-wins/
Want to learn more about how to be a more sustainable podcaster? Read more on the topic on these 7 Ways To Make Your Podcast Greener, from Content Is Queen:
https://contentisqueen.org/7-ways-to-make-your-podcast-greener/